Lantern Making Workshop - All Ages

The Rock Island Lantern Parade is coming back, just in time for the almost 100th anniversary of the first event, circa 1923 or 1924!

To help you get ready for the parade, to be held in conjunction with the September 13 Party in the Park at Lincoln Park, Rock Island Public Library and Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department are partnering to offer drop-in lantern-making workshops at all three Rock Island Library branches. We'll have cardboard, other supplies, and instructional guidance, so drop in to get started on your fabulous creation!

All ages are welcome to make a lantern, to be carried or pulled in the parade this September. Organizations can participate, too! 

What was this? For nearly 60 years, RI organizations and children in Parks Commission summer programs would make lanterns with their own custom designs, and walk them in special nighttime parades at either the RIHS stadium or Longview Park. (These aren't the kind of lanterns that float or fly.) We think these parades ended sometime in the 1970s, but had a comeback in the mid 1990s (1997-99). As part of our 150th anniversary year, we though it would be fun to bring this event back!